Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected training activities of special operations units earlier this week, emphasizing the importance of strengthening their capabilities as a crucial aspect of building a robust military force, as reported by Pyongyang's state media on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim visited a training base of the special operation units on Friday, coinciding with South Korea's Constitutional Court decision to uphold the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, resulting in his removal from office. During the visit, Kim oversaw general tactical training and a small-arms shooting contest conducted by the units' combatants.
Kim was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stating that enhancing actual war capability through intensive training is essential for guaranteeing victory on the battlefield and represents a form of patriotism and loyalty to the country. He highlighted that strengthening the special operation forces is a significant component of the current army building strategy.
The KCNA further reported that Kim outlined critical tasks to develop the special operation units' capabilities to a highly advanced level, although specific details were not disclosed. The report mentioned that, without naming names, the first vice defense minister was among the top military officials who welcomed Kim at the training base. Photographs released by KCNA showed former Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam wearing the name tag of the first vice defense minister.